Project YES: An Initiative by Eco Club Towards Minimalism

“Fashion should not cost THE EARTH”.

The Eco Club of St. Columba’s School, in collaboration with Chintan, an environmental research and action group, organized Project YES (Youth for Environmental Stewardship), a campaign to raise awareness about the harmful effects of fast fashion on the environment. The campaign aimed at sensitizing students about how constantly keeping up with trends leads to excessive textile waste, adding significantly to landfills.

The campaign began with an interactive workshop, where students learned about the detrimental impact of fast fashion on natural resources and human lives. They were encouraged to rethink their consumption choices and promote sustainable practices. To consolidate their learning, a poster-making activity was conducted along with a post-assessment form, which helped gauge their understanding and reflections.

A week later, the initiative took a practical shape through an Action Project. A cobbler and a tailor were stationed at the Middle School foyer, urging students and teachers to bring along old clothes and shoes they had outgrown for the Swap Pop-Up Project. These items were set aside for donation. At the same time, clothes and shoes that could be repaired were collected and fixed, promoting the idea of reuse over discard.

To ensure active participation, the young stewards made intercom announcements for two consecutive days, spreading the message across the school and motivating their peers. The campaign saw enthusiastic participation from both students and teachers, reaffirming the belief that small changes in lifestyle choices can go a long way in protecting the planet.

The campaign echoed the message that sustainability begins with mindful choices. Project YES empowered our students to take responsibility and inspire change, proving that true style lies in caring for our planet.

As a step forward, students have been invited to share their recommendations on how they can become young stewards protecting the environment, thereby carrying the spirit of Project YES beyond the campaign.